11-27-2009, 02:28 AM
Quote:Some clarifications:
Bodyguard (Person) in Greek is SOMATOPHYLAX.
Bodyguard (UNIT) in Greek is SOMATOPHYLAKI.
I have not seen the term in the orginal text in relation to a Spartan king. Only parastatae (those who stand at his side) or syskoinoi (tent companions) are mentioned
The term appears in the Maceconian kingdom (Somatophylakes Basilikoi - Royal bodyguards) and the archaic tyrrants bravos who are also referred as "prostatae" (protectors) or Phrouroi (guards).
Kind regards
Excellent point! .......I would agree entirely that the absence of these common terms for 'Bodyguard' in ALL our sources for this period is highly significant..
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
